North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party of Korea has formally reappointed Kim Jong Un as its general secretary during the latest Party Congress, reaffirming his grip on power as the country signals continued emphasis on nuclear deterrence and economic management.
The decision, reported by state media outlet Korean Central News Agency, was widely expected. The Kim family has ruled North Korea since the late 1940s, and Kim Jong Un has led the country since 2011 following the death of his father, Kim Jong Il.
According to KCNA, the congress praised Kim’s leadership for having “radically improved” the country’s war deterrence capability, “with the nuclear forces as its pivot.” North Korea has continued to expand its nuclear and missile programmes despite longstanding international sanctions, regularly testing intercontinental ballistic missiles in defiance of United Nations resolutions.
The congress, which began on 19 February and is now in its fourth day, is being held in Pyongyang. Such gatherings are considered the most important political events in North Korea and offer rare insight into the country’s opaque power structure and policy direction. Around 5,000 party members are reportedly in attendance.
Observers expect Kim to outline the next phase of the country’s weapons programme during the congress. Prior to the event, North Korea unveiled what it described as a range of nuclear-capable rocket launchers, reinforcing its message that military development remains a central priority.
While nuclear expansion continues to dominate international headlines, Kim also used his opening speech to stress economic challenges. He described boosting the country’s economy and improving living standards as “heavy and urgent historic tasks.” North Korea faces ongoing economic strain due to sanctions, border controls and structural inefficiencies within its centrally planned system.
The congress has also reshuffled the party’s presidium, or executive committee. More than half of its 39 members have reportedly been replaced since the last congress in 2021, indicating internal adjustments within the political elite even as Kim’s leadership remains unchallenged.
Attention has also focused on the possible public role of Kim’s daughter, Kim Ju Ae, who has appeared increasingly at official events. Earlier this month, South Korea’s intelligence agency suggested she may have been designated as her father’s heir, though Pyongyang has not confirmed this. Her growing visibility, including appearances at military inspections, has sparked speculation about a potential fourth generation of dynastic rule.
The reappointment underscores continuity rather than change. As North Korea navigates sanctions pressure, strategic rivalry with the United States and regional tensions in East Asia, Kim’s renewed mandate signals that nuclear capability and regime stability remain central pillars of state policy.
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